Addis Ababa

Founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1887 Addis Ababa is the capital city of the nation as well as seat of the African Union.

Addis Ababa & Its Surrounding

Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa is one of the world’s highest capitals at 2400m. It is an eclectic
city with a personality as well styles of all its own in Africa. It also boasts monumental
architecture, renowned museums, grand churches, mosques, incredible cuisine, and bustling
markets. Nearby there are numerous locations from which to craft a day trip.

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Addis Ababa City Tour

Morning/Afternoon you’ll be taken on a private tour to explore the city’s centerpiece such as Holy Trinity Cathedral, the country’s most imposing Orthodox Church decorated by modern + medieval style ecclesiastical paintings; National Museum that exhibits among other archaeological objects the most complete skeleton of 3.2 million-year-old Australopithecus known as “Lucy”; Mercato – the hubbub and chaos of the capital’s market, and Entoto Park on the Entoto Mountains, highest peak at 3,200m overlooking breathtaking city panorama.

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Addis Ababa City Tour

Besides GETTS 001 sites you’ll visit Ethnological Museum which shows the full sweep of Ethiopia’s cultural plus social history filled with ancient artifacts, art and religious icons; wander the public areas at leisure, such as Piazza city center and Churchill Avenue where the rich legacy of traditional handicrafts are found. Unity Park visit can be arranged upon request.

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Debre Libanos & Jemma Gorge

Set out north of Addis to one of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians pilgrimage sites, Debre Libanos (210km). You’ll visit an old church decorated with stained-glass windows and then take a stroll through the historic 17th century-built Portuguese Bridge to the stunning Jemma Gorge that spans the Gur River, a tributary of the Nile before it plunges over a cliff into the valley below. Here also good chance of spotting Gelada baboons, the endemic primates to Ethiopia 

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Blue Nile Gorge

Head on southwest for a 185km round trip to Awash Melka area and visit Melka Kunture Paleontological Site where fossils of pre history age as well more than 1.5 million years stone tools have been discovered, the 13th century cave church of Adadi Mariam that gives a good indication of Lalibela’s 12th century monolithic churches, and the World Heritage-listed prehistoric monoliths of Tiya 

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Melka Kunture, Adadi Mariam & Tiya

Head on southwest for a 185km round trip to Awash Melka area and visit Melka Kunture Paleontological Site where fossils of pre history age as well more than 1.5 million years stone tools have been discovered, the 13th century cave church of Adadi Mariam that gives a good indication of Lalibela’s 12th century monolithic churches, and the World Heritage-listed prehistoric monoliths of Tiya.

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Rift Valley, Ziway Lake

Early morning leave in a south-easterly direction toward Ziway (161km), one of the Rift Valley seven chain lakes. On arrival go out by boat on Lake Ziway to the island of Tullo Gudo and visit one of the old churches with a museum of ancient manuscripts. Be on the lookout for aquatic birds, fishermen on papyrus boats and possibly hippos.

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Wenchi Crater Lake

Early morning set off westward via Ambo town to the rim of Mount Wenchi (148km) and set about an hour trekking (optional on horseback) through stunning nature down into a valley abound with rivers, to the crater lake. You may also cross the lake in a traditional boat to enjoy the surrounding fabulous views. Then walk back to the rim either the way you came or take the longer trail of approx 3-4hr via the green valley, hot springs, waterfall, old watermills as well the actual “Ambo” sparkling water spring. Finally drive via Woliso town back to Addis Ababa

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Menagesha National Forest

Head southwest for 55km to Menagesha National Forest, the most sizeable remaining spot of native forest in the vicinity of Addis Ababa. Situated at altitude ranging from 2,300 to 3,000m this forest is home for swathe of mammals + birds as well as numerous endemic + common natural flowers and trees, dominantly juniper trees that grow up to 30m tall. Almost a dozen trails (up to 9km in length) mender through the forest; hence very popular place for hikers

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Ankober

Early morning drive northeast of Addis via the dramatic highland scenery and rolling green meadows to Ankober (170km), set on top of the hill at 2500m. You may wander through shepherd’s trail along a steep escarpment for panoramic views of the super landscape over the Great Rift Valley as well as watch the natural habitats. In addition to the splendid geographical feature other attractions worth a visit are the 19th century ruined palace and churches rich in paintings as well as manuscripts   

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Sodere & Bishoftu

296km round trip takes first to epicentre of African most accessible crater-lakes, Bishoftu and then to the popular resort Sodere, that shelter entertaining monkeys as well many birds. Swimming in the later hot springs-fed pool is really tempting